RISING SENIOR COLLEGE NIGHT: GETTING AHEAD IN THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS DECEMBER 18, 2014 Weston High School

Tonight’s Focus Application Process Timeline: What should I be doing now through the end of summer? Researching Colleges Standardized Testing Components of the College Application WHS Application Process

What Should I Be Doing Now ?

Timeline February - June  Schedule Individual Junior Planning Meeting with your counselor (Starting in March)  Keep Assigned Appointment in CCC  Register / Prepare for AP exams  Register / Prepare for SAT, Subject Tests and ACT  Schedule College Visits

A Good Decision Requires Information Gather information about yourself  strengths, weaknesses, abilities, interests Gather information about colleges  Admission statistics  Location  Size  Majors/ Programs  Financial Aid  Retention & Graduation Rate

What Resources Are Available? Naviance College Guidebooks Campus Visits Visits at WHS College and Career Center WHS Counseling Newsletter

College and Career Center Marilyn Moks CCC

Prospective College List Add Colleges to Prospective List

Video Clip How should you choose colleges to apply to? Stephanie Balmer, Dean of Admissions Dickinson College

Standardized Testing SAT SAT II: Subject Tests ACT All students should set a goal to have all of their standardized testing completed by the end of the school year.

Fact or Myth #1 My test score is the most important factor in a college's admission decision.

#1: Myth Admission test scores are just one factor colleges consider, along with grades and classes. While most four- year colleges require tests, the emphasis on the test scores varies by college.

Fact or Myth: #2 I don't need to take an expensive test- prep course to prepare for an admission test.

#2: Fact Free and low-cost preparation works as well as, and maybe even better than, expensive test prep. Try these ideas: Use practice tests on the test maker's website. Take the PSAT/NMSQT or PLAN. These tests cover the same subjects as the SAT and ACT. Make it a habit to read and write frequently in and outside of class.

Fact or Myth: #3 I need to take an admission test multiple times to get the best possible score.

#3: Myth Studies show that taking tests multiple times won't significantly improve your score. But if you feel you didn't do your best, you have the option of learning from your score and taking the test a second time. Taking it spring of junior year gives you that flexibility and can help you start on your college list and visits.

Fact or Myth: #4 If I get a really high score on an admission test, I can get in anywhere.

#4: Myth High test scores won't automatically get you in any college. For example, you may have high scores, but your school record shows that you haven't worked hard in your classes. Colleges want well-rounded students who have shown good character, motivation and accomplishments, both inside and outside the classroom.

Fact or Myth: #5 I can choose which colleges see my scores, and I can choose which scores to send.

#5: Fact Both the SAT and the ACT allow you to send scores to colleges you choose. And if you've taken either of these tests more than once, in many cases, you can choose to share only your best scores. Visit a college's official website to check its score-use policy, or use College Search to find colleges' SAT score-use policies.College Search

Remaining SAT and Subject Test Dates Test Date Test Offered Registration Late Fee Deadline January 24 th SAT & Subject Tests Dec 29 th Jan 13 th March 14 th SAT Only Feb 13 th March 3 rd May 2 th SAT & Subject Tests April 6 th April 21 st June 6 st SAT & Subject Tests May 8 th May 27 th It is the student’s responsibility to know which tests are required by each college

Remaining ACT Dates Test Date Registration Late Fee Deadline February 7 th January 9 th Jan 10 th April 18 th March 13 th March 14 th June 13 th May 8 th May 9 th

Resume – Things to Include STUDENT GOVERNMENT PERFORMING ARTS ACTIVITIES YEARBOOK SPORTS: Varsity and any out-of-school clubs or experiences COMMUNITY SERVICE OUTSIDE of SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCES OTHER ACTIVITES (i.e. religious activities, hobbies, clubs, etc.) SUMMER or SPECIAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES EMPLOYMENT HONORS and AWARDS

Video Clip Is participating in a lot of activities important? Stephanie Balmer, Dean of Admissions Dickinson College

Timeline... continued May/June  Return all necessary processing forms to Mrs. Osinski in Guidance  Parent Brag Sheet – submit online through Naviance  Resume– submit online through Naviance  Transcript Release - Tan  Junior Questionnaire – submit online through Naviance  Begin Journaling Essay Ideas  Continue to Research and Visit Colleges  Ask 2 teachers to write a letter of recommendation for you in the fall

Teacher Recommendations Two Teacher Recommendations Ask your teachers, in person, prior to leaving in June. Follow-up, Thank you notes

Getting Started on the Essay Brainstorm essay ideas with parents, teachers and friends. Read the six essay prompt on the Common Application. (*new prompts will be released in March) Think of an interesting story to tell that answers one of the prompt and reveals something about you not already shared in your application. Work on your story over the summer. Good essays evolve and take many edits. Check supplemental writing questions for each individual college – do not short change these!

Video Clip How should you present yourself in an essay? Jeff Brenzel, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Yale University

WHS College Application Process Expectations When to Apply How to Apply Components of the Application

Expectations WHS uses Naviance exclusively to manage the College Application Process. Students are expected to:  Update Prospective & Active Applications  Complete all processing forms Students - Check Weston daily and respond.

When to Apply Early Action Restrictive Early Action Early Decision I & II Priority Regular Decision Rolling Admission

How to Apply Apply Online Use the Common Application ( whenever possible. Check if supplement is required.

Components of the Student Application Student and Demographic Data Academic Information Extracurricular Activities Essay(s) Signature – electronically Payment (if required)

Sending SAT and ACT Score Students must contact the testing agency to request scores to be sent to each college. WHS does not report SAT or ACT scores on the transcript. SAT - ACT –

What Will the Counselor Send?  Transcript  School Profile  Secondary School Report Form  Counselor Recommendation  Teacher Recommendations

Completed Application Application submitted online by student SAT or ACT scores requested, by student, to be sent from testing agency School package sent from College Guidance Office which includes:  Teacher recommendation letter(s)  Counselor Recommendation  School Report Form  Transcript  School Profile

Follow-Up Follow-up with each school to be sure everything has arrived and your application is complete.

Timeline... continued Over the Summer…  Continue to research and visit colleges  Make all necessary revisions to your main essay  Register on the commonapp website  Begin filling out college applications  Fine tune the list of schools you will be applying to in the Fall.

Lastly……. Keep the process in perspective Work together as a family Students must take ownership Discuss finances openly Start early and meet all deadlines

Video Clip Experts debunk the top college search myths.